Lydia Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins will invest $1 million to expand its existing operation in Stanardsville. The project is projected to create a tax benefit of more than $38,000 in its first full year of operation with an estimated 19 new full-time jobs. Lydia Mountain Lodge will receive a $150,000 Virginia Tourism Growth Fund (VTGF) grant to assist with the development of new main lodge accommodations and a conference center.
“Lydia Mountain Lodge’s expansion underscores Greene County’s already stellar reputation as a beloved Virginia community to live and visit,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “This enhancement to the visitor experience is exactly the kind of growth we need to remain competitive in the tourism industry. We will continue to invest in projects that positively contribute to the community and further our efforts in building the new Virginia economy across the Commonwealth.”
“As an instant revenue generator for the Commonwealth, tourism’s continued growth is critical to a diversified economy,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Last year, visitors to Greene County spent more than $18 million, which supported more than 226 jobs and contributed more than $1.4 million in state and local taxes. Today’s announcement of Lydia Mountain Lodge is a fantastic new addition to Virginia’s tourism industry, and will help attract new visitors to the gateway to the Blue Ridge.”
The new Lydia Mountain Lodge will include new accommodations and dining rooms, as well as fitness, entertainment, meeting, and wedding space. The Commonwealth of Virginia partnered with Greene County to support this hotel development project which is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2018.
“Creating and growing Lydia Mountain Lodge & Log Cabins has been a long-time, passion-filled adventure for me and my family,” said Bruce Shifflett, Owner of Lydia Mountain Lodge. “Lydia Mountain is the perfect home to our special outdoor and cabin experiences. Visitors will soon have access to a host of new amenities, including a higher-end spa, dining and meeting facilities. We are excited to realize our dream of expanding our visitor’s experience and give them more reasons to extend their stay with us, and enjoy our beautiful views.”
“Lydia Mountain Lodge is a special mountain and outdoor experience, indicative of the neighboring Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park,” said Alan Yost, Greene County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Greene County is excited to be a partner in this important growth period for the lodge, and its support to other county-wide visitor experiences this growth will create.”
“Lydia Mountain Lodge is an example of a locally grown business that is helping bring tourists and visitors to Greene County. Best wishes to them for a very successful 2017,” said Delegate Robert Bell.
Senator Emmett Hanger added, “This type of local business expansion, including an indoor pool, a restaurant and a state-of-the-art conference and media room, will enhance the Lydia Mountain Lodge experience, and contribute to increased tourism efforts in Greene County.”
Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2015, visitors to Virginia spent $23 billion, which supported 223,100 jobs and contributed $1.6 billion in state and local taxes.
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